February 9, 2009 10:49 AM

Ye olde journal reading

The House began its day in the 14th century, thanks to Rep. David Balmer.

Balmer, R-Centennial, took the standard request to skip the reading of the previous day's journal and did it in old English style. Here is his speech:

"Mr. Speaker:

Your Excellency, the most High Speaker, Protector of This Chamber, Protector of Our Most Sovereign State of Colorado and Defender of the Faith.

My Lords and My Ladies,

I pray, Lend me Thine Ears

Here are the writings of the previous day's labor.

Upon my knees, I give them up unto you -- the most worthy Representatives of all the surrounding estates that comprise our most esteemed State of Colorado.

Now, Ye, who were so dutifully elected here by the people to get grievances redressed

Therefore, I beseech my most humble colleagues that ye dispense with the reading of the writings of the previous day, the Sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord, two thosand and nine.

And I further beseech my most humble colleagues that ye mediate upon these writings.

Take heed -- for your souls must answer for that which ye have said.

Now by God's mercy, I now beseech ye therefore, upon the peril of your lives, to approve the Most Worthy Journal as corrected by the most Honorable and Most Loyal Chief Clerk of the August House of Representatives."

The biggest peril to come from this? House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, said afterward that he may now request everyone refer to him as "Your Excellency."

Posted by Ed Sealover at 10:49 AM | Comments (1)